By: Max Bechtoldt
Yuka Saso won the U.S. Women’s Open after one of the most chaotic final rounds in recent LPGA Tour history.
The day started with three players, Wichanee Meechai, Andrea Lee and Minjee Lee, with a share of the lead at -5. Meechai was the first to fall, going +4 on her first six holes, culminating with a ball in the water on six. Minjee was next to go, going six over from hole 3 to 12. Andrea Lee held strong for awhile, but a wayward tee shot on the drivable 16 led to a par followed by a bogey on 17.
Saso herself didn’t play flawless golf, on the sixth hole she had a brutal four putt that put her round and tournament in serious danger. Starting with the infamous par 3 12 she went on a run. Birdies on 12, 13, 15 and 16 took a lot of pressure off the final two holes. Her birdie on 16 was spurred on by a terrific three wood that set her up with an eagle putt.
Saso is now the most recent player two win her first two LPGA Tour events as majors. The last player before her was In Gee Chun, who also achieved the feat at Lancaster Country Club.
In 2021 when Saso won at Olympic Club, she was representing the Philippines and was the first person to win the U.S. Open under that flag. Now playing for Japan, she is the first Japanese player to win a U.S. Open.
Japan had a big week at Lancaster, as major champion Hinako Shibuno grinded out a runner-up finish, her highest placement since her major championship in 2019.
